Layer It Up

Layers can be a great thing. They can make fine hair look more voluminious, they can make thick hair look sexy and they can make curly hair pop!

But what about the times you get layers that are not so awesome? You know, the ones that make you look like you have a mullet or the Rachel.

The key is to know your hair! Here are some guidelines to help you get that perfect layered haircut.

Fine Hair: A blunter type of layer is best for you. Make sure your hair is a little bit longer in the front than it is in the back. Sometimes, your stylist can add some softer layers at the base of your hairline to allow for different styling options. Side swept or blunt bangs also give the illusion of fullness. If you have curly fine hair, cutting layers in can benefit greatly by allowing those shorter layers to bounce up and create more volume.

Long Hair: If you can’t part with the length of your hair, but also can’t deal with the lack of oomph long hair often provides, try layers that are cut at an incline (like a ramp). Find a spot on your head where you want your shortest layer to start, and point that out to the stylist. Often this spot that works best is just below where your head protrudes out a bit, otherwise known as the occipital ridge. This spot is about 6 inches or so from the crown. This is your starting point, and the rest of the hair should cut at an incline to the end of your hairline. Now, it will look like a ton of hair is coming off. But,I assure you that the length is preserved by this cutting method. Often the stylist will even let a bit of the hairline fall out to keep it long. If you are still feeling nervous, have your stylist pull all the hair to center and cut it. This gives you softer and fewer layers. The end result of this haircut is a gorgeous cascade of hair that is bouncy and sexy!

Limp/Heavy Hair: Now, here is concern that runs a risk of looking like a “mullet” if the layers are cut too short. The key is be conservative. The length coming off will be on top of your head and throughout the crown. I really wouldn’t go shorter than 5 inches from the scalp (6 inches for curly hair)

Another important tip is to blend your layers into your already existing style. Deep point cutting or razoring helps with this technique, and allows for a softer, voluminizing effect – no mullets here!